The Global Association of Applied Behavioural Scientists

About Us

The Global Association of Applied Behavioural Scientists (GAABS) exists to help behavioural science practitioners solve real-world problems.

GAABS is the first and only professional association to bridge behavioural science in academia with the real-world dynamics encountered by practitioners in the field. Individuals must demonstrate their commitment to ethical and evidence-based interventions to be certified by GAABS. With members from around the globe, GAABS promotes ethics in application, provides awards for high-calibre work with real-world impact, champions cross-cutting industry research and seeks to establish baselines that advance the practice of behavioural science in the field.

As a global, not-for-profit professional association, GAABS brings together practitioners, researchers and organisations committed to the ethical, evidence-based application of behavioural science. Members meet professional standards for admission and are united by a shared goal of advancing the discipline through collaboration, learning and practical impact.

Why GAABS Exists

Applied behavioural science is transforming how organisations understand and influence decision-making, behaviour and culture. As the discipline continues to grow, so too does the need for professional standards, ethical practice and a global community that supports those applying behavioural science in the real world.

GAABS exists to help behavioural science practitioners solve real-world problems. We bring together practitioners, researchers, students and organisations to advance the profession through collaboration, shared learning and evidence-based practice.

We do this by:

  • Promoting high professional and ethical standards in the application of behavioural science.

  • Supporting the development of current and future behavioural science practitioners.

  • Connecting a global community to share knowledge, experience and best practice.

  • Facilitating research and collaboration that address real-world challenges.

  • Showcasing and celebrating outstanding examples of applied behavioural science.

  • Advancing the impact of behavioural science across sectors through education, events and professional engagement.

Our Goals

  • GAABS is committed to advancing the professional practice of applied behavioural science by:

    • Helping individuals and organisations identify trusted behavioural science practitioners, researchers and teams.

    • Promoting high professional standards, ethical practice and evidence-based approaches across the behavioural science community.

    • Strengthening the connection between research and real-world application by encouraging collaboration and the sharing of knowledge.

    • Supporting the responsible application of behavioural science with a strong commitment to ethics, transparency and positive societal impact.

    • Fostering a global community that enables practitioners, researchers, students and organisations to learn from one another and tackle real-world challenges together.

    • Protecting the integrity of the profession by encouraging professional conduct and maintaining confidence in the responsible application of behavioural science.

  • Black-and-white close-up photo of a middle-aged man with short, dark hair and light eyes, smiling slightly.

    “The need for a professional body of behavioural scientists is great. The resolution in the form of GAABS is inspired.”

    Robert Cialdini, Emeritus Professor at the Arizona State University and GAABS Advisor

  • Black and white headshot of a woman smiling, with long dark hair, wearing earrings and a pearl necklace.

    “Amidst rapid global growth of applied behavioral science, developing quality standards and safeguarding ethical practices are important goals for GAABS to undertake.”

    Jennifer Lerner, Thornton F. Bradshaw Professor at the Harvard Kennedy School and GAABS Advisor

  • Black and white portrait of a man with slicked-back hair and light-colored eyes, looking directly at the camera.

    “GAABS has a member base of excellent and inspiring behavioural practitioners. The Awards are the platform they deserve to showcase their high quality behavioural science applications.”

    Pelle Hansen, Behavioural Scientist at Roskilde University and GAABS Advisor